The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has long been committed to promoting safe driving practices among commercial vehicle drivers. Operation Safe Driver Week, scheduled for July 9-15, 2023, is an annual initiative that focuses on enhancing road safety by addressing high-risk driving behaviors among truckers. During this week, law enforcement agencies across North America intensify their efforts to enforce traffic regulations, educate drivers, and reduce accidents involving commercial vehicles. For truckers, it is crucial to understand the purpose of this operation, what to expect, and how they can best prepare to ensure compliance and road safety.
Operation Safe Driver Week Overview:
- When: Sunday, July 9 through Saturday, July 15, 2023
- Where: Across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Focus: Speeding.
What is Operation Safe Driver Week?
Operation Safe Driver Week is a targeted enforcement campaign that aims to decrease the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial vehicles through increased enforcement and education. The operation primarily focuses on identifying and addressing high-risk behaviors that contribute to accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, improper lane changes, failure to use seat belts, and more.
The focus of Operation Safe Driver Week changes each year, and the focus for the 2023 event is speeding.
What Can Truckers Expect During Operation Safe Driver Week?
Truck drivers can expect increased enforcement of speeding and other unsafe driving behaviors during Operation Safe Driver Week. Law enforcement agencies across the country will be conducting extra patrols and checkpoints, and drivers who are caught speeding or engaging in other unsafe behaviors may be ticketed or arrested.
Here are some specific things that truck drivers can expect:
- Increased enforcement of speeding laws.
- Increased enforcement of distracted driving laws.
- Increased enforcement of fatigue laws.
- Increased enforcement of other unsafe driving behaviors.
- Educational materials and resources about safe driving practices.
- Opportunities to get involved in promoting safe driving.
Tips for Safe Driving
Here are some tips for safe driving during Operation Safe Driver Week and beyond:
- Obey the speed limit. This is especially important for truck drivers, as speeding can increase the risk of jackknifing or rollover accidents.
- Be aware of your surroundings. This includes paying attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It’s also important to be aware of the road conditions and weather.
- Don’t drive distracted. This means no texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using any other electronic devices while driving.
- Take breaks to stay alert. Truck drivers should take a 15-minute break every two hours to stretch, walk around, and get some fresh air.
- Get enough sleep before driving. Truck drivers should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Be prepared for the weather. This means checking the forecast before you start your trip and being prepared for changes in the weather.
- Use your turn signals. This will help to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Maintain your truck. This includes making sure that your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are working properly, and your lights are working properly.
- Be courteous to other drivers. This will help to create a more safe and efficient driving environment.
Conclusion
Operation Safe Driver Week, not to be confused with DOT Week, is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of unsafe driving and to encourage drivers to make safe choices. By following these tips, you can help to make the roads safer for everyone.
